With hazy hues of blue that hang amongst a vast valley, the raw beauty of the Blue Mountains offers striking views.
When it comes to Australia’s natural beauty, the Blue Mountains are a cultural landmark.
The traditional custodians are the Tharawal, Gundungurra, Wiradjuri, Wanaruah, Darug and Darkinjung peoples. The Blue Mountains National Park is a sacred site, where formation origins are based on many different local Dreamtime stories.
The untouched valley captures greens, blues and wisps of silver across a hollow canyon that seems to last forever. It’s a place where time stands still.
Embark on a rich cultural experience, and soak in the views of this special place. Only a short drive away from busy Sydney, there’s plenty to see and do in the Blue Mountains – and you can do it all in one day.
1. Soak up panoramic views at Scenic World
Want to gasp at views that stop a conversation? Scenic World offers once-in-a-lifetime views of the Triassic landscape. Here, visitors experience some of the best scenery in Australia, at Birsdseye height.
The views showcase the infinity of the landscape. The photos are worthy of screen savers. Scenic World is a must-do.
Whether you opt for the cableway or skywalk, the infinite views will offer gorgeous panoramic views of the Jamison Valley. Or, take a scenic railway on the record-breaking Scenic Railway. The Scenic Railway holds the Guinness World Record for being the steepest inclining passenger railway in the world!
Planning lunch? There are plenty of perfect places to pitch up for a park picnic. Otherwise, The Terrace restaurant and cafe offers lots of delicious lunch options. And it’s all perfectly paired with gorgeous valley views.
2. See the Three Sisters
The Three Sisters is a unique triad of rocky peaks that embody a Dreamtime story. The local Indigenous story of its formation says the rocks were once three sisters. Three brothers from an opposite tribe had set out to kidnap them until a tribal elder protected them by turning them to stone. They remain today in rocky permanence, watching over the valley.
Interestingly, the sunlight dictates the look of the stone formations. This means you’ll get a different view at different times of the day.
Or if you fancy something a bit different, check out the Three Sisters at night. The floodlights are turned on until 11 pm. If you’re staying overnight and want to miss the crowds for a gorgeous sunset over the Three Sisters, then check out our 2-day tour.
3. Visit native animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park
If you’re taking a trip to the native Australian flora, then you should experience native Australian fauna! With over 2000 native animals, you’ll be immersed in a natural setting that teems with wildlife. The Featherdale Wildlife Park is a fun addition to your Blue Mountains trip and offers something interesting for all ages.
Pretty rainbow lorikeets sing the soundtrack to your visit, and kangaroos roam freely around large grounds. Hand-feed these cute kangaroos or wallabies, or marvel at jumping crocodiles.
For a bite to eat, there’s a café on-site. Otherwise, there are plenty of places you can set up a picnic.
4. Tour the waterfalls
There are waterfalls scattered all around the Blue Mountains National Park. Offering impressive cascades of water all year round, with pretty hiking trails that meander through misty rainforests. In the summer months, visit these spots for a quick dip to break up a sweaty hike.
Just like all the other natural spectacles in the Blue Mountains, the waterfalls are just as impressive. For an iconic waterfall, check out Wentworth Falls. To complete your waterfall tour, be sure to visit Katoomba Cascades Laura Cascades. Walk around the Katoomba Cascades, or check out Leura Cascades for a soft, pretty waterfall encompassed by a leafy border. Thirsty for more? Tick off Horseshoe Falls, or Bridal Veil Falls.
To wander around some of these gorgeous natural beauties without having to open your Maps app, check out our guided walking tour.
5. Spot glow worms in the dark
Want to experience something a bit different in the Blue Mountains? For a unique Blue Mountains experience, check out the 6km Glow Worm Walking Track in Lithgow. It cuts through the rock, entering a tunnel that is home to trails of glow worms. Watch as thousands of little glow worms light up the jet-black tunnel. Remember to bring a torch!
Like what you see?
The Blue Mountains is unlike any other place in the world. Whether you’re in Sydney for a month or just a few days, we highly recommend taking a trip to the Blue Mountains! To experience some of these places first-hand, check out our Blue Mountains tours.